The fourth episode of The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse debuted on October 29, 2023. Following the shocking revelations in episode 3, episode 4 continued to deliver more surprises. The true identity of Echo Gorge and the intricate truth surrounding Nasiens are unveiled.
Episode 4 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse challenges the notion that appearances can be deceiving. Labels of villainy are commonly placed upon individuals with sinister abilities or seemingly malicious intentions. This holds true for Nasiens and his mentor in this particular episode.
Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse episode 4 - Truth revealed
The truth about Nasiens
Unveiling the truth of Nasiens in episode 4 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse (Image via Our Website)
Previously, Nasiens found himself cast as the villainous character for imprisoning a fairy and attempting to utilize him as an experimental subject. Moreover, he faced accusations for transforming Echo Gorge into a toxic wasteland inhabited by menacing carnivorous trees and perilous wildlife. His credibility suffered further as blood escaped from his mouth and he rendered Percival unconscious with an eerie smile, leaving the spectators more skeptical about his motives.
In episode 4 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse, some interesting revelations are made regarding the enigmatic herbalist. Firstly, it is discovered that Nasiens and Dolores are siblings, both of whom were adopted by a doctor named Ordo. Ordo took them in after finding them abandoned in Echo Gorge - Dolores was already a child at the time, while Nasiens was just a baby in a basket.
In essence, Nasiens has been dedicatedly working to restore Echo Gorge from the blight that has plagued it. He achieves this by utilizing different drugs and concoctions, and then harnesses his Venom Mixing magic to create a mist that not only heals the land, but also aids in its revival. His possession of this magic renders him immune to various toxins.
A misunderstanding repaired
Misunderstandings being healed in Four Knights of the Apocalypse episode 4 (Image via Our Website)
The fourth episode of Four Knights of the Apocalypse uncovers numerous misunderstandings that have arisen since Ordo disappeared from Echo Gorge. The first misconception arose between Percival and Nasiens during Percival's time as Nasiens' experimental subject. Contrary to expectations, Percival's hair became even wilder and he experienced a tremendous surge of energy instead of being poisoned by the drug provided by Nasiens. This outcome took everyone by surprise, as they had witnessed Nasiens injecting a rabbit, which subsequently transformed into a monstrous creature, leading them to believe Nasiens was responsible for the chaos.
Naisens injected the rabbit with the intention of assisting the animal and potentially discovering a remedy for the ailment that afflicted Echo Gorge. In a similar vein, the fairy, whom Naisens had captured, initiated the attack on him and trespassed into his residence first. Since Ordo disappeared, Naisens had been diligently working on a cure, striving to uphold his grandfather's principles.
The truth behind the rot/Ordo's fate
The fate of Ordo in episode 4 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse is a depiction of dramatic irony. It showcases the horrifying transformation of Nasiens' and Dolores' grandfather, who was originally a benevolent medicine man deeply connected to nature. However, a curse from a fairy changed him into a monstrous creature with four arms, capable of spewing poisonous substances that have devastatingly tainted Echo Gorge.
Ordo, the once known beast, launches a lethal attack on both Nasiens and Dolores. In a race against time, Percival and Dolores must swiftly rescue Nasiens, while Dolores selflessly takes the full force of the noxious breath that grotesquely burns her skin. The fairy, reveling in chaos, mocks their futile attempts to prevent Ordo from "sinning" and commands him to obliterate the gorge.
Percival and his companions refuse to stand idly by and allow this to occur. With an impressive headbutt, Percival manages to save Dolores and the petrified Nasiens, preventing their imminent demise. The fourth episode of Four Knights of the Apocalypse concludes with Percival embracing Nasiens tightly and assuring him that they will restore his grandfather's well-being. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nasiens begins to sob.
Themes begin to form
Several things not as they seem in Four Knights of the Apocalypse episode 4 (Image via Our Website)
The fourth episode of Four Knights of the Apocalypse reveals emerging patterns and themes. In this episode, Percival, a trusting young boy, contrasts with his cynical and suspicious companions. His tendency to act impulsively without considering the consequences has both caused trouble and resulted in a newfound friendship.
It is important to note that Percival is only 16 years old and has been suddenly thrust into a completely unfamiliar world. Despite his deceiving appearance, he has already found himself in trouble on two occasions for unknowingly slaying animals that were actually Familiars of Iron Side and Pellegrade. Surprisingly, none of the Holy Knights are involved in this particular incident.
The emerging themes revolve around healing the land and the revelation that things are not always as they seem: the surprising revelation of Iron Side as Percival's father, the animals being revealed as Familiars, Sin the fox possessing the ability to communicate, and the current situation at Echo Gorge all indicate that there is more at play than meets the eye. Even the Holy Knights themselves appear to be victims of deception.
Final Thoughts
In episode 4 of Four Knights of the Apocalypse, we delve into the second part of the Echo Gorge arc from the manga. This episode sheds light on the history of the location, unveiling the reasons behind its current state of chaos. Moreover, it challenges our preconceived notions by revealing that the Nasiens are not driven by evil intentions. Instead, they strive to assist Echo Gorge in their own unique way.
The upcoming episode is expected to wrap up the story arc, now that the main antagonist has made his presence known. Given the limited display of Percival's magical abilities thus far, this upcoming confrontation is bound to be intense. Additionally, the inclusion of poison magic as a positive force in a magical realm is a rare and intriguing aspect in this show. Fans eagerly await next week's episode to witness how Percival and his allies will aid Naisens, Ordo, and Dolores.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about episode 4 of The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's willingness to challenge traditional notions of good and evil. The revelation that Nasiens is actually a complex and sympathetic character who is trying to save Echo Gorge from a terrible curse is a refreshing change from the usual black-and-white morality of most anime. On the other hand, I feel like the episode could have done a better job of explaining Nasiens' motivations and actions. The reveal that he was experimenting on Percival and the fairy felt a bit too sudden and unexplained, and it made it difficult for me to fully sympathize with him.
Overall, I think episode 4 of The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse is a solid entry in the series. It's not the best episode, but it's still a lot of fun and it does a good job of setting up the next arc of the story. I'm excited to see where the show goes from here.